CVE-2023-54086 is a low-severity vulnerability discovered in the Linux kernel. This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit the unprotected preempt_count_{sub,add} functions, leading to potential stack overflows and system crashes. The vulnerability was resolved by adding these functions into the BPF ID deny list, which mitigates the risk of system panic when attaching trampolines to them. The panic message indicates a breach of the TASK stack guard page, which is a critical safety feature in the kernel.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as low, given its specific conditions for exploitation and the fact that it has already been addressed in the kernel update. However, organizations should remain vigilant and ensure that their systems are updated to the latest kernel version to avoid any potential issues. It is noteworthy that the vulnerability was published on December 24, 2025, and marked as deferred.
Risk to organizations includes system instability and potential data loss in environments where the vulnerable kernel is deployed. Regular updates and monitoring for security advisories are essential to maintain system integrity and operational continuity.
No public exploit has been confirmed, and as of now, there is no indication of active exploitation in the wild. Nevertheless, it is prudent for organizations to proactively patch and monitor their systems.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard their systems against potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Add preempt_count_{sub,add} into btf id deny list. This vulnerability arises from the recursion check in __bpf_prog_enter* and __bpf_prog_exit*, leaving preempt_count_{sub,add} unprotected. When attaching trampolines to them, the system can experience a panic due to stack guard page violations.
The kernel version affected is 6.2.0+, and the specific nature of the bug has been outlined in the official references. The publication date of this CVE is December 24, 2025, although the vulnerability was resolved by modifications in subsequent kernel updates.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-54086 lies in the improper handling of the preempt_count_{sub,add} functions within the BPF program lifecycle. The attack vector is local, requiring access to the kernel space, which limits the risk to environments where external access is tightly controlled.
The attack complexity is considered low, as the exploitation requires specific kernel functionality to be triggered. Privileges required are high, as an attacker would need to have sufficient access to manipulate BPF programs within the kernel. User interaction is not required for this vulnerability to be exploited.
The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are categorized as high due to the potential for system crashes and data loss, especially in production environments.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-54086 is moderate, given that it requires local access to the system for exploitation. However, the potential for significant disruption in environments using the affected kernel version is a concern. Organizations should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability and prioritize patching in their security management processes.
Urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is classified as low, given the resolved status and the current lack of active exploitation. However, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their security update cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest kernel versions to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2023-54086.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should ensure they apply the latest kernel patches to remediate this vulnerability. The specific fixes are available in the updates released following the discovery of CVE-2023-54086. Additionally, organizations should implement configuration hardening and monitoring strategies to further protect their environments. For comprehensive security evaluations, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing services to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability, organizations should monitor their logs for unusual stack trace errors and guard page violations. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in system performance could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, warranting further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-54086 lies in its implications for kernel security and stability. Although it has been resolved, the patterns observed in its discovery highlight the need for continuous monitoring and proactive security measures. Organizations should consider implementing best practices for penetration testing methodology to ensure their environments remain resilient against similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, adopting a robust vulnerability management program can help in systematically addressing vulnerabilities as they arise, ensuring that security measures are always up to date.
In conclusion, organizations must remain vigilant and adaptable in their security strategies, especially concerning kernel vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-54086. Continuous education, timely updates, and strategic assessments will be crucial in defending against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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